Partnering to future-proof our host communities

Harmony goes beyond compliance to ensure our host communities are empowered today and resilient enough to adapt to rapid digital transformation in the future.

The 4IR is a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. We predict that it will transform goods production and services in manual labour-dominant sectors, including South Africa. This presents opportunities for the South African government, businesses and consumers. We recognise the need to ensure our host communities can share in these opportunities.

Virtual reality is a major technological driver of 4IR and is widely used in simulators for educational purposes. As part of Mponeng’s SLP, Harmony is equipping primary schools with virtual reality classrooms and secondary and high schools in our host communities with virtual learning classrooms. We partnered with the University of the Witwatersrand on this project, which we are executing in the Merafong City, Amathole and Chris Hani municipalities.

Our investment for each school includes:

• An all-in-one virtual reality learning package, including necessary infrastructure, applications, software, laptops and tablets, training, high-bandwidth internet, RAM, graphics cards, virtual reality goggles and headsets with touch controls and interactive smart whiteboards
• Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) classes for learners, relevant infrastructure, hardware and software in line with the national curriculum
• Inverters for each school to ensure uninterrupted learning during loadshedding
• Training for teachers to obtain continuing professional development points (endorsed by the South African Council for Educators).

From 2021 to 2024, 16 schools represented by over 10 000 learners and 300 teachers will benefit directly from this project with an investment of over R14 million (2.8% of the five-year SLP).

Through this partnership, we are bringing our social philosophy to life by promoting shared value for our host communities and delivering impact beyond compliance.